Show summary Hide summary
Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe put aside their past Friday to celebrate their son Deacon Phillippe’s graduation from New York University. The exes reunited at Radio City Music Hall in Manhattan for a star-studded commencement ceremony. Deacon, 22, earned his degree after four years of pursuing music at the prestigious institution.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Graduate: Deacon Phillippe, age 22, received his diploma Friday from New York University.
- Location: Ceremony held at Radio City Music Hall in Midtown Manhattan on May 15, 2026.
- Ex-Reunion: Witherspoon and Phillippe, divorced since 2008, posed together for family photos with their children present.
- Star Appearance: Kate Hudson and her family, including Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell, also attended the prestigious graduation.
A Memorable Reunion for Two Celebrated Exes
Reese Witherspoon, age 50, looked elegant in a blue midi dress paired with a cream-colored blazer and matching handbag. Beside her, Ryan Phillippe, 51, wore a crisp white untucked shirt and black trousers with aviator sunglasses. The Cruel Intentions co-stars have maintained a cordial relationship throughout their years apart.
The former couple, who were married from 1999 to 2008, demonstrated their strong co-parenting bond. Both attended earlier milestones for their children, including Deacon’s homeschool graduation in 2022 and his album release party in 2023.
Reese Witherspoon’s son Deacon graduates from NYU in New York, exes reunite
Taylor Lautner’s wife Tay admits struggling with body image during pregnancy on podcast
A Star-Studded NYC Celebration at the Historic Venue
Deacon wore a purple NYU graduation gown with a yellow satin sash as he posed proudly with his family. His sister Ava Phillippe, 26, also attended the ceremony, having graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2022.
Kate Hudson, 47, celebrated her eldest son Ryder Robinson‘s graduation from the same institution on the same day. Goldie Hawn and her partner Kurt Russell were also in attendance, and Russell was spotted hugging Witherspoon outside the venue.
Family Moments and Hollywood Connections
| Details | Information |
| Graduate | Deacon Phillippe, age 22 |
| University | New York University |
| Date | May 15, 2026 (Friday) |
| Location | Radio City Music Hall, Manhattan |
Witherspoon’s other ex-husband, Jim Toth, also attended the event, bringing their 13-year-old son Tennessee. The Legally Blonde star has maintained positive relationships with both former spouses, proving that successful co-parenting transcends romance.
Deacon has already begun building his own career in entertainment. He appeared in the Netflix series Never Have I Ever and the film Motorheads. Beyond acting, he is pursuing music and released an album titled A New Earth in 2023.
‘We were hot and drenched in late 90s angst,’ Ryan Phillippe playfully wrote about his wife Reese years ago, reflecting their chemistry that began when they met at her 21st birthday party in 1997.
— Ryan Phillippe, Actor
A New Chapter for a Young Multi-Talented Graduate
Deacon’s four years at NYU focused on music, allowing him to develop his artistic talents. His parents encouraged his creative pursuits without pressure. Ryan Phillippe previously stated that he and Witherspoon act as ‘sounding boards’ for their adult children’s career choices.
The graduation represents a significant milestone for the young artist balancing acting opportunities with music aspirations. With family support from both parents present at the ceremony, Deacon now enters the next phase of his career equipped with a degree from one of America’s most prestigious universities.
What’s Next for the Hollywood Family After This Perfect Moment?
Deacon’s graduation marks another successful milestone for the Witherspoon-Phillippe family. The three-time parents have demonstrated that co-parenting can be amicable and even joyful. Ava and Deacon have grown into accomplished young adults.
As Deacon moves forward with projects in both acting and music, his supportive family structure gives him the foundation needed to succeed. The presence of both parents, extended family members, and close family friends at his graduation celebrated not just an educational achievement, but also a family’s commitment to nurturing their children’s dreams.
Sources
- Page Six – Exes Reese Witherspoon and Ryan Phillippe reunite at son Deacon’s college graduation at Radio City Music Hall on May 15, 2026.
- Daily Mail – Coverage of the star-studded NYU graduation ceremony featuring multiple celebrity families and detailed coverage of attendee appearances.
- People Magazine – Background information on Deacon Phillippe’s attendance at NYU and his pursuits in music and acting.
